Earlier this year, Don and I decided we would be better parents and happier people if we were no longer married. Don’t get me wrong – I will always love him for the two beautiful children we have and the memories we share. However, I was unhappy and I believe he was to. Our unhappiness with each other and our situation was spilling over into our family and how we interacted with each other and the twins. We decided to get an amicable divorce. But, is there really such a thing?
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Continue ReadingIf you are a long time reader, you know how much I love the simple way of life Amish and Mennonite families lead. When I was asked to review Gathering of Sisters by Darla Weaver, I jumped at the chance. A book about the “real” lives of Old Order Mennonite? Sign me up. So, I joined Darla, her five sisters, her mother and a bunch of kids for an entire year of Tuesday visits.
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Continue ReadingToday, October 11, 2018, my daddy has been in heaven 14 years. Fourteen years without his love and support when I needed it most. Fourteen years without hearing, “Who loves ya baby cakes?” when he would see me. Fourteen years without my daddy. I was flipping through old posts trying to find a favorite about my dad. I stumbled across this one and it is one of my favorite memories of my dad. My dad loved and supported me through every decision I ever made. I know he would be proud of what I have done and what I have…
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Continue ReadingHow many times do you wake up happy, with a positive attitude for the day? How often are you truly happy? How many times do you choose to make your life happy? Are you truly living your life as your authentic self? Jacqueline Pirtle has written an amazingly inspirational book that can help you do just that!
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Continue ReadingThis time of year always brings the taste and smell of peaches to mind. You drive past road side stands and farmer’s markets with big signs proclaiming, “Fresh Peaches!” When searching for a theme this week for my free printable planner stickers, I came across these Peachy Keen graphics and it made me smile. So, I thought they’d be perfect! These adorable stickers are available in both ECV and HP versions. Grab yourself some peach tea and maybe a piece of peach pie and get planning.
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Continue ReadingYou know how some days you just get tired of chicken? And plain pork chops are so boring! I decided to kick it up a bit and came up with these Bacon and White Cheddar Pork Chops. I mean… bacon, tomatoes, and white cheddar cheese… how could it be wrong? These are perfect in the oven, but you could easily throw these on the grill also! Enjoy.
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Continue ReadingHalloween versus fall festivals – a hot topic this time of year. Let me start this post by saying… I am a Christian and I believe in God. I was brought up in a Baptist church and was raised “right” as my parents would say. This post is about my opinion on the whole Halloween versus Fall Festival thing… and why it irks me to no end. I don’t want anyone to take offense… and I am absolutely up for any civil and non-inflammatory debate concerning this…
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Continue ReadingCreamy pasta dishes will always have my heart, and this Sausage Alfredo with Cherry Peppers is no exception. The rich, velvety Alfredo sauce gets a pop of heat from the peppers and a briny bite from the olives, making every forkful bold and flavorful. Add in savory sausage, and you’ve got a pasta night that feels indulgent but comes together with hardly any fuss. It’s comfort food with a twist—just the way I like it.
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Yesterday was my 40th birthday. I have been dreading this day for about a month. I was going to be 40. What have I accomplished? I have two amazing children, a Master’s degree, a great job, and a handful of great friends. But, what about that bucket list I made when I turned 30? I had several items left to do… ride in a hot air balloon, visit Las Vegas, get a tattoo…
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Continue ReadingAnyone who knows me well, knows I love the Amish – the simple way they live and their deep faith and family roots. When I was asked to review Homespun: Amish and Mennonite Women in Their Own Words, I was honored to do so. I have enjoyed getting a glimpse into the lives of the authors and seeing how I can use their advice and ideas in my own home and life.